In a bold move that’s earning widespread respect across the college football world, **Kansas State’s standout tight end Linkon Cure** has reportedly **declined a $6.7 million NIL offer** from the University of Tennessee — a staggering sum that would have more than doubled his current deal — choosing instead to remain loyal to the Wildcats and finish his collegiate career in Manhattan, Kansas.
According to insiders familiar with the situation, the Vols made a strong late push to lure Cure into the transfer portal with a lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package designed to make him one of the highest-paid non-quarterback players in the nation. But Cure wasn’t swayed.
> “Money’s not everything,” Cure said in a brief statement. “Kansas State believed in me before the rest of the country did. This place is home, and I’m not going anywhere.”
### **A Statement of Loyalty in a Shifting Landscape**
In today’s college football climate — where high-dollar NIL offers and transfer portal moves are increasingly common — Cure’s decision stands out as a rare show of loyalty and commitment. At a time when top athletes often chase bigger contracts and higher exposure, the 6’6”, 240-pound playmaker made it clear that legacy, loyalty, and team culture meant more than the millions.
Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman praised Cure’s decision, calling it a “massive win for the program, on and off the field.”
> “Linkon is not only one of the best players in college football, he’s one of the best human beings,” Klieman said. “He’s the kind of leader you build a program around.”
### **Cure’s Meteoric Rise**
Cure, a four-star recruit from Goodland, Kansas, has been a standout weapon for the Wildcats, turning heads with his rare blend of size, speed, and hands. He led all tight ends in the Big 12 last season in receptions, touchdowns, and yards after catch, drawing comparisons to NFL stars like Travis Kelce and George Kittle.
NFL scouts have taken notice, and Cure is widely expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But rather than chase money now, he’s focused on finishing what he started.
### **Ripple Effects in the NIL Era**
This decision sends a message that could ripple across the country — particularly as coaches, players, and fans navigate the constantly shifting dynamics of the NIL world. Cure’s refusal to transfer for a payday could embolden other athletes to prioritize development and legacy over short-term gain.
Fans in Manhattan have responded with overwhelming support, flooding social media with messages of gratitude and admiration.
> “Linkon Cure just became a Kansas State legend,” one fan posted. “Not because of what he turned down — but because of what he chose to stay for.”
### **What’s Next?**
With Cure locked in, Kansas State looks poised to build around him for one final push at a Big 12 title — and potentially a College Football Playoff run. And as NIL continues to reshape college football, Linkon Cure’s decision will be remembered as a defining moment of character and conviction.
**In an age of transfers and transactions, Linkon Cure chose loyalty — and that’s worth more than any dollar amount.**
